The White Sox fan base has been waiting a long time for this day. They have suffered through seasons of empty stadiums, lackluster play, and a rebuild that took forever. But it’s finally time to celebrate on the Southside of Chicago because, after 12 long years, the White Sox have become the second team to clinch a playoff spot in the MLB.
The White Sox now sits at 33-17 after their exciting 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins to take the series (3-1). The White Sox continue to hold on to first place in the Central Division over the Twins (3GB). They also sit in first place overall in the American League.
Jose Abreu kept his MVP assault going with 2-3 1R, 2RBI, and 1HR. Unfortunately, Tim Anderson went 0-4, and his average went down to .365. 2B DJ LeMahieu ended the day with a .373 average, so Anderson is still within striking distance.
Reynaldo Lopez (5.1IP 4H 3ER 1BB 6K 83PC) pitched his butt off. Many White Sox fans don’t want to hear it, but this guy has pitched two great games in a row. Lopez has regained my trust, and I think he deserves a postseason spot with this club, even if it is out of the bullpen.
The bullpen shut down the Twins after Lopez left the mound, and Alex Colome recorded his 12th save. Colome has lowered his ERA to .89, which is best out of the bullpen.
The White Sox still have goals to meet before the playoffs. Abreu is chasing down his first MVP, Anderson is chasing his second batting title, and the White Sox need to keep that number one spot in the American League. The White Sox are back in for the 2020 season.
The White Sox take on the Cincinnati Reds. It should be another intense series as the Reds are trying to sneak into the National League’s playoffs. The White Sox are letting Jonathan Stiever make his second start in his career and build off his solid debut last Sunday. The Reds will run Tejay Antone, who is more of an opener than a traditional starter. He’s had a decent season, but hopefully, this will allow the White Sox to tear up the Reds shaky bullpen.